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Job Description
- Visiting farms to conduct analyses and collect data, such as crop yield
- Measuring, analyzing and interpreting data
- Conducting land valuations
- Giving demonstrations
- Making presentations
- Writing technical publications
- Peparing reports
- Developing and maintaining a set of client contacts
- Maintaining awareness of developments in your area of specialization, as well as the wider agricultural sector
- Attending conferences
- Advertising and marketing services
A large proportion of the work is home or office based, while some consultants may also spend time in the laboratory. Visits to farms may require a substantial amount of car travel, although the distance and the need for overnight stays depend on the project. The working week tends to be from Monday to Friday, although variations in workload relate to seasonal demands - some long and unsocial hours may be necessary during busy periods.
Job Requirements
Typical employers of agricultural consultants
- The Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS)
- Agricultural development agencies
- Public sector organizations, charities and conservation bodies
- Home and foreign governments
- Farm management consultancy firms
- Farmers, growers, landowners and farming co-operatives
Qualifications and training required
- A degree in soil/earth sciences, agriculture, horticulture, crop/plant science or animal science is normally the minimum academic requirement for entry into the profession
- A relevant postgraduate qualification may be necessary for overseas work, and further study into a niche area may help career progression.
- It is possible to enter agricultural business consultancy after achieving a degree in business.
- Postgraduate qualifications in business or land/estate management may be useful.
- Prior experience of the agricultural industry is essential.